Curacao

The inner city and harbor of Willemstad, Curacao with this bridge is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We were told that the UNESCO properties are sort of like a bucket list of places to visit before you die. I looked up the 911 places on the list purported to be of outstanding cultural or natural value with universal appeal. I have only been to about 20 of them. I've visited several of the sites in China and felt the Terracotta Warriors certainly should have been included. A couple of places in New Zealand were also short-changed. Oh well, I have my own list. The following four pictures were taken from the ship as we arrived in port.

We hired a guy to take us around in this Tuk-Tuk. Because the swing bridge was open, we took the ferry across and had to transfer to another tour guide. The 2nd guy was a disappointment...a young kid who didn't speak much English and was mainly interested in hot-rodding the little three-wheeled car.

This is the old Rif Fort which was made from sea stones. It was built to keep pirates or undesireables out of the city. There was another fort on the opposite side of the waterway.

Statue at Rif Fort

Plaza at Rif Fort

Entrance into the main city of Willemstad, Curacao was originally through a narrow channel of water with a fort on each side of the passage. This offered protection to their city. Now there is a swing bridge connecting the two sides or forts. The bridge swings back quite frequently to allow for large ships or other boats to enter the waterway. We crossed over from one side to the other on a ferry when the bridge was retracted and then walked back on the bridge when it once again spanned the water. The picture below shows the bridge swung open and against the side of the channel.

This is what the bridge looks like when it gives foot traffic the ability to cross from side to side.

Fruit markets

Backside of the fruit stands. The boats bring the fresh produce in daily.

Open markets along the waterfront.


There were colorful buildings everywhere...banks, libraries, churches, offices, homes etc.

The high rise hotel is the tallest building on the island. Remnants of the old fort can be seen. The next four pictures were taken from this same spot.

Pier

When we got out at the pier we noticed some plastic and cardboard being held down with rocks. Before we left, the man in the picture appeared. We were told he lives under that little area of the pier that is covered by the plastic. I suppose the rent is cheap.

Cobblestone street design

Waves crashing at the breakfront

Here's our ship at the dock. It sort of looks like one of Holland America's postcards they have on the desk in the staterooms.